Kendall Johnson is a sophomore linebacker for the Duke Blue Devils, wearing jersey #42. As a defensive player in his second year in the program, Johnson represents part of Duke's linebacker depth chart and brings a physical presence to the defensive unit at 225 pounds.
Player Profile
Johnson's size at 225 pounds is well-suited for the linebacker position, where his weight should allow him to contribute as a run-defender in Duke's defensive scheme. As a sophomore, he is in a developmental stage of his college career, where he can be expected to continue building on his foundational understanding of the ACC defense and the demands of collegiate football. His position as a linebacker places him in a key role on the defensive unit, requiring both coverage skills and the ability to diagnose plays quickly at the line of scrimmage.
Background
Johnson hails from Gaithersburg, Maryland, bringing local Mid-Atlantic recruiting connections to the Duke program. His path to Durham reflects Duke's recruiting efforts in the region, where the program regularly identifies talent from the Baltimore-Washington corridor. His recruitment to Duke suggests the coaching staff identified him as a prospect capable of developing into a contributor at the ACC level.
2026 Outlook
As a sophomore, Johnson projects as a player who should continue his development within Duke's linebacker rotation. His second year in the program suggests he should have a better grasp of the defensive system and responsibilities expected at the college level. Johnson is expected to compete for playing time and contribute on the defensive unit as the Blue Devils look to develop depth at the linebacker position.
Profile generated Jul 8, 2026